Animal Empty opened the raucous evening at the Firebird with a gothic set of tunes helmed by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Ali Ruby. The four-piece band slid from heavy post-rock verses to jams that featured a light Latin influence, which Ruby accentuated with nice trumpet work.

If you're a fan of Chicago’s Local H you might be a little surprised when you hear the latest side project from guitarist/songwriter Scott Lucas and his band the Married Men. Even if Local H isn't your pint of lager you'll be pulled in by the natural sound of their debut album George Lassos the Moon.